Japanese remastered reissue of 1970 album, that's unavailable domestically, features 8 tracks including 1 bonus track, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Universal. 2003.
Japanese remastered reissue of 1970 album, that's unavailable domestically, features 8 tracks including 1 bonus track, packaged in a miniature LP sleeve. Universal. 2003.
CD Reviews
Seriously great jazz
Craig Weatherby | Waltham, MA USA | 05/23/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was blown away by this album when it came out, and am thrilled by its release at last on CD. It easily rivals anything by the jazz stars of then or now. (For example, I got the acclaimed album by jazz super group ScoLoHoFo at the same time, and it just isn't as intersting/engaging, despite the star names attached--Scofield, Lovano, etc.). Things We Like features creative, skilled playing by all, and wonderfully novel compositions by Bruce--not the usual post-bop noodlings."
Remarkably good jazz
Studebacher Hoch | Portland, OR | 06/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a straight ahead jazz ablum with Jack on acoustic double bass and no singing (but some voaclizing,though). It's a brilliant jazz album and can stand shoulder to shoulder with any of the greats. It's too bad he did not pursue at least one more album with this fabulous line-up. It's really amazing when you consider that he was still a member fo Cream when this was recorded and that John McLaughlin, who had played with Jack briefly in the Graham Bond Organization, had little name recognition at this point in his career. All that creative energy really shines - as does long time buddy Dick H-S and Colleseum drummer (and Songs for a Tailor drummer) Jon Hiseman. Jack, himself, sounds as if he never gave up the double bass. His bowing is also quite soulful. I originally bought this album when I was a Jack Bruce fan - not a jazz enthusiast. I've since become one and it makes me appreciate this release all the more."
What?!
Speedy | Fl, MO USA | 06/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have to admit i was VERY surprised when i heard about this (AND when i heard this for the first time!). I did not know such a gem existed until this year (2008). And i am an real fan of old stuff by McLaughlin. How this escaped my attention is beyond me. This is an excellent british jazz 1968 type album that has aged superbly thanks to it's guitar, dr, sax and bass creative, high voltage, energy... always in the free / be bop style of jazz. Bruce is outstanding as are the others, Hiseman & Dick Heckstall-Smith...and McLaughlin plays great on 6 of the 8 titles. Recommended if you liked 'Extrapolation' and the first 2 albums by Tony Williams Lifetime."
Things I Like
J. Tate | dry land | 12/03/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording is just a joy to listen to. Jazz performed at a master level with best track for me being the ballad "born to be blue". Fans of John Mclaughlin will be pleased to hear some of his most understated and beautiful playing on this disc (his chords are so clean they sound like an electric piano), as well as, some outstanding drumming turned in by Heisman. As one would expect,Jack's double bass playing is near flawless, but the real star of this outing is Dick H-S (R.I.P.) as the music is pushed and pulled by his soulful horns.
If you like jazz you will not be let down by picking this one up. A real hidden jem."
Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
Noel A. Hodda | Sydney, Australia | 10/31/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"No need to add to what others have said here: this is still an extraordinarily fresh and imaginative jazz album from musical greats. This is the gods at play. What I did want to add though is the fact that this line-up can be heard playing live on the Graham Bond album 'Solid Bond'. The last few tracks of that cd are almost like hearing 'Things We Like' live, including a track there called Ho Ho Country Kicking Blues which here is called HCKHH Blues. Give it a spin."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1